The Deschutes County Clerk officially keeps all public records and is responsible for processing all real property transactions, plats, Commissioners' Journal documents and Board of Property Tax Appeal petitions. As the chief election official of the County the Clerk plans, coordinates, conducts all elections, and ensures that elections are conducted according to statute and other related requirements. The Clerk's Office also plans, coordinates and records Board of Property Tax Appeal hearings. It also issues marriage and antique dealers licenses and accepts passport applications.

The Recording Division records documents that affect title to real property located in Deschutes County. This office is prohibited from giving legal advice, helping fill out documents, suggesting what type of documents to use, accepting illegible documents, recording documents other than those specified by Oregon and federal law. Property taxes are assessed against real property, machinery and equipment, manufactured structures, business personal property and floating property. Oregon has an ad valorem tax system - the property taxes that are paid are based on the value the county assessor establishes for the parties property.